First off, I apologise for the lack of consistent Project Queer updates. My world has been turned upside down, and I am stretched really thin right now. (Here is a bit of background on what happened.)
Anyway, my partner had some test results back from the doctor. Because of the car accident we were in a couple weeks back, my partner not only has severe whiplash and a concussion, but also no reflexes in her left arm/hand, signs of neurological damage, and a possible herniated disc in her cervical column. She is constantly dizzy and in pain as she also suffers from dibilitating migraines. She can barely walk by herself and must now wear a neck brace and use a cane. She cannot drive or work - which means that she cannot take new photography clients, work in our salvage shop, or start the retail position she just got hired for - which were large parts of our income.
On top of all of the meds, the ambulance ride, the emergency room bills, physical therapy and travel costs, previous bills, and every day living expenses, we are now thousands of dollars in debt. And this is not even including the expenses I am going to have to pay for lawyers and my court date. (Although the car accident was not our fault and we have the evidence to prove it, the bigoted cop at the scene only ticketed me and is making me go to court for what happened. I believe this is because we are a queer couple, and we look different [dyed hair, piercings, tattoos, etc.] As soon as I told the cop that I wanted to see my partner in the hospital, he became annoyed with me, condescending, and dismissive - making the entire process of documenting my information take longer.)
Moving on⊠my family no longer has any mode of transportation, because my car was totaled in the wreck - which is really inconvenient since we live in a rural area and drive twenty minutes to go grocery shopping. My car insurance is not covering anything - the damage, a replacement vehicle - not even a rental, and I will most likely be dropped from coverage.Â
On top of all this, I have PTSD from the accident, feeling helpless dealing with the cop, and seeing my girlfriend being wheeled away on a stretcher screaming and crying in pain. Even if I DID have a vehicle to drive, I have panic attacks in seemingly ordinary, trivial situations.
I am doing my best to raise money to support our family, but I am overwhelmed. We have a teenaged daughter and three cats as well - which require expensive prescription food. I am selling my paintings and personal belongings, taking odd jobs, working alone in our shop, and even considering getting back into cam work. Anything that I can do from home, because I also have to do our household chores, yard upkeep, and general maintenance - as well as tending to my partner and her needs.
I am exhausted, and I am becoming desperate. My family has had the worst luck this past year. It has been one thing after another.
If you cannot donate, please signal boost this.Â
If you have recommendations on making money from home, please share them with me.Â
I am willing to do damn near anything to make sure that my family is safe and taken care of, and I want us to not only survive this, but get back on our feet.
Thank you for reading, sharing, donating, sending well-wishes, and the like. It is all greatly appreciated. Thank you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Riley
Project Queer founder and moderator
